The Academy aims to train the next generation of the emergency management workforce.
This program, a first of its kind in the nation, prepares the student for a career in emergency management with a focus on immediate practical ability. There are a number of higher education facilities across the country that teach Emergency Management Administration, but few, if any, that teach the "boots on the ground" knowledge to immediately respond and help those who most need it.
The Academy, which will run approximately eight months, will prepare interested individuals for emergency management careers at TDEM in a variety of preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation capacities.
TDEM has made seats available for current local emergency management staff in Texas and private sector personnel with emergency management roles at their organizations. Applicants must submit a resume and a letter of recommendation from their sponsoring entity via email to TheAcademy@tdem.texas.gov. Additional information about this training opportunity may be found by clicking the Info for Local Partners button on this page.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) operates as an all-hazards response agency for hurricanes, tornados, fires, severe winter weather, flooding, drought, and other natural and manmade disasters. We help communities identify potential threats, mitigate disasters and coordinate emergency response efforts.
When the disaster takes place, TDEM is there, many times even before the incident happens, to help protect life and property. After an incident, many times communities are devastated and don’t know where to begin rebuilding. TDEM is there helping to fight back and return to normalcy. You can be part of that recovery.
Students will complete nationally recognized certifications in Emergency Management that include FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute Professional Development Series (PDS), Advanced Profession Series (APS), and National Emergency Management Basic Academy (NEMBA) . All students will complete medical training to the level of Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B), and achieve National Registry Certification upon successful completion. Many of the course instructors will be nationally-renowned experts from institutions of higher education, including TDEM subject matter experts. Instruction is first-hand, taught by subject matter experts, at times in real-life situations. Students in the second graduating class deployed to the Texas Panhandle to support the state's wildfire response and learned first hand how TDEM assists communities in damage assessments, donations management, and managing incidents.
Not only with competitive salaries but with the type of job that gives great satisfaction in helping others, TDEM offers its employees a wonderful package of benefits. TDEM is part of The Texas A&M University System and enjoys all the benefits of its affiliation; Teacher Retirement System, tax free savings accounts, medical benefits that include optional dental/vision, along with an employee assistance program.
The fourth cadet class of The Academy, in San Antonio, begins in August 2025, with graduation scheduled for March 2026. The fifth cadet class, in Fort Worth, is scheduled to begin in October 2025, with graduation slated for May 2026.
Seating in this innovative emergency management academy is limited. The class will fill quickly. Don’t hesitate to apply soon for our fifth cohort and become a participant in this landmark training opportunity. For more information on The Texas Emergency Management Academy, click the Criteria & FAQs button. For other questions, please contact us at TheAcademy@tdem.texas.gov
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